Iraqi Ministers of Defense, State speak to Iraqi troops in historical event

Marine Link ^ | August 17, 2004 | Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

Iraqi Ministers of Defense, State speak to Iraqi troops in historical event
Submitted by: 11th MEU
Story Identification #: 200481774636
Story by Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata



FORWARD OPERATING BASE DUKE, Iraq (Aug. 16, 2004) -- Iraq's Minister of Defense Hazem Sha'alan and a Minister of State Kasim Daoud spoke to members of Iraq's Security Forces during a visit to the base here today.

Today's visit marked a historical, first-ever meeting with these specific units for both members of Iraq's Interim Government. They used this opportunity to talk to the soldiers and inspire then to continue their dedicated service to the country of Iraq.

Also present were Col. Anthony M. Haslam, commanding officer, 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit (Special Operations Capable), and Brig. Gen. Dennis J. Hejlick, deputy commanding general, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

This is just one example of the new government's climate; its leaders took the time to explain the current situation and why their soldier's service was important.
Both ministers fielded questions from the soldiers and gave them straightforward answers.

"Sadr and his militia are bad people and do not represent the views of Iraq or Islam," Sha'alan said when a soldier asked about the Muqtada Militia. "I ask you to help out our country and get Sadr's militia out."

Both ministers asked the soldiers to continue to help their country and wished them good luck on future missions, should clearing operations resume in the city.

"We're here to help you and support you in everything you do," said Sha'alan.

-30-

Photos included with story:

 

Iraq's Minister of Defense Hazem Sha'alan speaks to members of Iraq's Security Forces during a visit to Forward Operating Base Duke, Iraq, Aug. 16. The visit marked a historical, first-ever meeting with these specific units for him and Minister of State Kasim Daoud. They used this opportunity to talk to the soldiers and inspire then to continue their dedicated service to the country of Iraq. Photo by: Gunnery Sgt. Chago Zapata

[stylin_geek]

Wow, you have to give these guys credit.

[Sam the Sham]

Maybe there is a chance.

THEY have to be the ones who destroy Sadr.

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

This is just one example of the new government's climate; its leaders took the time to explain the current situation and why their soldier's service was important.

"Sadr and his militia are bad people and do not represent the views of Iraq or Islam," Sha'alan said when a soldier asked about the Muqtada Militia. "I ask you to help out our country and get Sadr's militia out."

 

                                                                         

 

"Will of the Iraqi people" = Sadr, good news for the good guys, ping!

[JLS]

Yep their necks are on the line. I am glad they are acting like they realize it.

[Sam the Sham]

A sovereign state must ask and expect its soldiers to kill or die.

If they won't it's not a sovereign state. So if those soldiers won't fight Sadr, then the government is finished.

We can't do this for them.

[blackie]

We are winning ~ the bad guys are losing ~ trolls, terrorists, democrats and the mainstream media are sad ~ very sad!

~~ Bush/Cheney 2004 ~~

[JLS]

Exactly, we could rid them of Saddam and did. We can not make them a nation, they must do that themselves.

[McGavin999]

What a difference this has to be for the Iraqi military. First of all, they are being trained that respect goes up AND down the line of command, then they have their leaders come to talk to them and actually answer their questions.

This is a whole new world of respect for them.

[Alamo-Girl]

Bump!

[bruin66]

"We're here to help..."

Isn't that what the IG always says?

[windchime]

Bump!